PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Fantasia International Film Festival is taking over Montreal, Canada, on July 12th, bringing with it dozens of highly anticipated films. We’re stoked to be covering the festival, which continues to be one of our favorite yearly events, and we’re counting down the days until we can fully immerse ourselves in the experience. Today, though, rather than discussing all of the films that will be playing throughout the three-week span (There are so many, y’all), we’re taking a look at the five movies we’re looking forward to the most. From killer puppets to Nicolas Cage with a chainsaw – these are our five most anticipated films of Fantasia Fest 2018!
Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich
Plot synopsis: An ancient evil entity animates puppets to go on a bloody killing spree at a convention.
We’re nearly three decades removed from the release of the original Puppet Master, so it’s a pleasant surprise that fans are still being treated to new films after all this time. With The Littlest Reich, we’re set to receive the wildest entry of the franchise yet. Serving as a reboot of the series, the film will provide a new spin on characters we’ve grown accustomed to over the last 30 years. With a screenplay that was penned by S. Craig Zahler, the writer/director of Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99, we’re expecting The Littlest Reich to be especially dark and brutal, though we’d be shocked if the film sacrificed the silliness that has carried the series thus far.
Anna and the Apocalypse
Plot synopsis: When the zombie apocalypse hits the sleepy town of Little Haven, at Christmas, teenager Anna and her high school friends have to fight, sing and dance to survive, with the undead horde all around them.
Anna and the Apocalypse has made huge waves on the festival circuit so far, garnering critical acclaim and leaving audiences raving about its greatness. Frankly, we’re jealous that we haven’t seen the film yet – but thanks to Fantasia Fest, that’s about to change. Blending horror, comedy, holiday AND musical genres, Anna and the Apocalypse is the Christmas zombie flick we’ve literally been waiting for.
Satan’s Slaves
Plot synopsis: A remake of the 1980 film of the same name, Satan’s Slaves follows a family whose mother suffered a strange illness for 3 years. After her death, she returns home to pick up her children.
Though it was released last year, Satan’s Slaves is continuing to tour the festival circuit, gaining major praise throughout the process. I’ve never seen the original film, but director Ted Geoghegan (We Are Still Here, Mohawk) has referred to Joko Anwar’s remake as a “ballet of nonstop scares” that “fill(s) a haunted house with ghosts, demons, zombies, and cultists.” Sign us the hell up.
The Witch in the Window
Plot synopsis: When Simon brings his twelve year-old son, Finn, to rural Vermont to help flip an old farmhouse, they encounter the malicious spirit of Lydia, a previous owner. And now with every repair they make – she’s getting stronger.
On paper, The Witch in the Window may seem like a stereotypical supernatural film. The trailer, however, delivers a creepy atmosphere that cannot be ignored. We’re suckers for masterfully crafted ghost stories, and this is right up our alley.
Mandy
Plot synopsis: An outsider seeks bloody vengeance against the sadistic cult leader who destroyed his peaceful existence.
We really only need three words to sell this film: Nicolas. Fucking. Cage. If the insane trailer and the praise that has been bestowed upon the film are to be believed, it appears that Mandy features the greatest, most intense performance of the Cage’s career so far – and that’s saying a lot. This is wild, nightmarish Satan shit, and we can’t wait to lend the film our eyeballs.
Stay tuned to PopHorror for our full coverage of Fantasia Fest 2018!
